Why is my roof leaking, and what should I do?
Short answer. Your roof is leaking because water has found a gap, and the pattern tells you where: leaks in every rain point to a hole, cracked boot or failed flashing, leaks only in wind-driven rain point to flashing or siding on the windward side, leaks only in long downpours point to valleys or gutter backup, and drips on cold, dry mornings are condensation. Contain the water, photograph it, and have the source found before anything is sealed.
Troubleshoot by pattern
- Every rain, same spot: a cracked pipe boot, missing shingle, exposed nail or rusted flashing.
- Only with wind from one direction: wall or chimney flashing, the ridge vent, or the siding and windows on that side.
- Only in heavy, long downpours: overwhelmed valleys, gutters backing up, debris dams, or a low-slope section.
- Right after hail or high wind: new storm damage that calls for an inspection and possibly a claim.
- Cold mornings without rain: condensation from poor attic ventilation.
- Summer days without rain, near the air handler: the HVAC condensate line.
What to do, in order
- Contain the water and switch off power to any wet fixture.
- Photograph the damage inside and the roof from the ground.
- Check the attic with a flashlight and follow the wet trail uphill.
- If water is pouring in and it is safe, get a tarp on over the ridge.
- Get an inspection and decide between a repair, a claim, or a replacement.
What not to do
Do not climb a wet roof, and do not smear sealant over the spot above the stain before the real source is found. It rarely stops the leak and can hide storm damage an adjuster needs to see. Robust Roofing's roof repair page describes how leak calls are handled.